My First Year Blogiversary!

Wow! I can hardly believe my first year blogging anniversary is already here. Blogiversary? Is that even a thing you ask…why yes, it is! What is it? And why am I celebrating? Well, let me tell you…

I began this journey of blogging one year ago with a little nudge from a friend who thought people might want to read about my life. “Really?” I thought. “My life?” “People want to know about little old me?” But the more I began to think about it, the more I thought that maybe sharing stories of my life would be fun! I figured I could even share some tales of motherhood; the trials and tribulations. So I began to write.

My very first post “Once Upon a Time,” published on July 17th, 2015, was my introduction into the world of blogging and I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought I was going to write mostly about my love to plan; planning parties, playdates, DIY crafts/projects, etc.. but God had other plans. I decided to take a chance and write something called “Why I didn’t like my Baby” and to this day it has been my most read article, with over 1,000 views in just the first day that it was posted. A second close runner up was “Dreaming New Dreams” and it too had nothing to do with my love of planning, but more to do with sharing my heart as a mom. I am a firm believer that sometimes we don’t always know why we go through something until we share it with someone that may be experiencing the same thing and we can give them comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

Over this year I have experienced some high notes; getting published on Living for Naptime, Activist in Louboutins and The Huffington Post (feel free to click on links to read). I have gained lots of new friends on instagram, which happens to be my favorite form of social media. And last, but not least, I have learned a lot about myself. Like; I am really not tech savvy, which really was not new information to me (I mean I was a dance major in college), but now creating a website, trying to keep up with all forms of social media, which plugins I need, what is a plugin and what the heck is SEO again?!? The terminology and vocabulary alone left me feeling completely dumbfounded and frustrated most of the time. I learned that to overcome these feelings of frustration you need a support group and I was blessed to find one with Chrystie Vachon and her Living for Naptime posse. These are, hands down, the most awesome mom blogger ladies I know. I also learned that when I pour my heart out and share some pretty gut wrenching things people respond with love (there were a few “haters” but I learned a long time ago you just gotta “shake it off,” as Taylor Swift would say). Most importantly, I learned that I am not just a wife, not just a mom, but someone that people can relate to, can laugh with and that I can even give inspiration or hope to a person in need.

Those are all reasons to celebrate!! Wouldn’t you agree?!? To help me do just that I have teamed up with some of my favorite small shops to bring you a fabulous giveaway!! And a huge shout out to the amazing Erika Rodriguez Photography for taking all of these lovely photos, she sure does know how to make a girl have fun and feel pretty (make sure you check out her website)!!

On to the giveaway…

From my friend Gina at Mom Life Must Haves are these super cute hair ties. They look more like a cute accessory so you can rock them on your wrist all day long, or use them to tie up that fabulous mom hair.

The ever adorable shirts from my friend Andi at Lend me your Kite are also a part of the giveaway. They are always comfy, cute and could be worn straight from bed to the park and no one would have to know!;)

A beautiful printable art from the super creative Stacy at The Preserves Project is a perfect addition to any home! You can take your treasured bits of history and turn them into a piece of personalized artwork that you can print, frame and hang or display in your home. So dig out that old recipe that was made famous by someone in your family and Preserves Designs can create a fun and beautiful piece of art that you can proudly display or gift! Afterall, family recipes contain secrets and memories, laughter and healing powers and most especially life lessons and love…

And remember how I talked about these amazing Lularoe leggings that feel like butter (in case you missed it go here)?!? Well, now you can win this little slice of Heaven for yourself! From my super sweet friend Lara at LularoebyLara.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is make sure you are following each beautiful lady on instagram (links above) then comment “done” either here or on my instagram photo with any of the anniversary pictures above. If you are not on instagram (you really should come join the fun), you can also follow these lovely women on Facebook (links below), then comment “done” on this post. That is it. You don’t have to tag 10 friends, you don’t have to repost, you just need to follow along and admire the beautiful work of these hard working mama’s. If you are super excited and really want to win, you can enter twice by liking all these ladies (and me of course) on both instagram and Facebook, then comment “done x2.” The winner(s) will be announced in one week, so stay tuned!

As always, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me on this journey, I could not have done it without you. That includes any person who has ever taken the time to read a post, it means the world to me and I feel so blessed. Here is to the next year! XOXO, Jenny

Congratulations, gorgeous! You should be so very proud of all you have achieved! Your site looks amazing, you are doing big things, and most importantly, your big heart shines through all that you do. Happy blogiversary!! 💗

Thank you so much friend! Isn’t it amazing what can happen when you let go and let God?!? It is not always easy, ok, its usually never easy, but so worth it in the end. Sending you lots of love and I hope you enjoyed that beer with your grandma!;)

Happy Blogiversarry my Beautiful Friend!!! I’ve loved reading your blog over the last year and just seeing how it’s not only Blessed and encouraged others but has Blessed you and your sweet Fam!! Love you!!